Sandstone Mesas with Rainbow, Utah. tif C009 / 7042

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Sandstone Mesas with Rainbow, Utah. tif C009 / 7042

The formation of sandstone involves two principal stages. First, a layer or layers of sand accumulates as the result of sedimentation, either from water (as in a stream, lake, or sea) or from air (as in a desert). Typically, sedimentation occurs by the sand settling out from suspension; i.e. ceasing to be rolled or bounced along the bottom of a body of water or ground surface. Finally, once accumulated, the sand becomes sandstone when it is compacted by pressure of overlying deposits and cemented by the precipitation of minerals within the pore spaces between sand grains. Colours will usually be tan or yellow (from a blend of the clear quartz with the dark amber feldspar content of the sand). A predominant additional colourant in the southwestern United States is iron oxide, which imparts reddish tints ranging from pink to dark red, with additional manganese imparting a purplish hue

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Media ID 6328389

© DAVID PARKER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Colour Deposition Deposits Desert Feldspar Ground Iron Iron Oxide Lake Manganese Pressure Quartz Rain Bow Refraction River Sand Sand Stone Spectrum Suspension Double Rainbow Sand Grains

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print titled "Sandstone Mesas with Rainbow, Utah" showcases the stunning natural beauty of sandstone formations in Utah. The image captures the mesmerizing colors and textures created by the intricate process of sandstone formation. The formation of sandstone involves two distinct stages. Initially, layers of sand accumulate through sedimentation from either water or air sources. This occurs as the sand settles out from suspension, no longer being carried along by water currents or wind. Over time, these accumulated sands are compacted under immense pressure from overlying deposits and cemented together by mineral precipitation within pore spaces between individual grains. The resulting sandstone exhibits a range of colors, typically tan or yellow due to a blend of clear quartz and dark amber feldspar content in the sand. In this particular region, iron oxide is also present as an additional colorant, imparting reddish tints that can vary from pink to deep red. Manganese further contributes to the palette with its purplish hues. In this picturesque scene captured by OPEN for Science Photo Library, we witness not only the majestic mesas but also a vibrant rainbow arching across the sky above them. This phenomenon occurs when sunlight undergoes refraction and dispersion within raindrops suspended in the atmosphere, creating a spectrum of colors that adorn nature's canvas. Immerse yourself in this breathtaking snapshot where elements such as ground erosion, desert winds, river flow patterns have sculpted these magnificent landforms over millions of years – a testament to Earth's geological wonders.

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